Chivas USA midfielder and Texas native Josué Soto has rejuvenated the Red-and-White roster. And now, with the opportunity that José Luis Real has given him to be in the starting lineup for the SuperClásico against the LA Galaxy last Sunday, the young Goat is motivated to give his all to the team and continue growing professionally.

At the age of one, Soto and his family moved to Monterrey, Mexico, where he grew up. The midfielder has slowly been able to work through and overcome difficult times that lead up to playing soccer on a professional level. And Soto knows that the opportunities in soccer don’t come around on their own, they have to be sought after.

“When I left the Monterrey Reserves I thought that my opportunity to work in soccer had ended and I had to focus on school,” said Soto. “But I got the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Development Program in North Carolina. From there, I got the opportunity to learn more about American soccer and get a connection so I can play in Major League Soccer.”

After spending two years in Texas, one with the Houston Dynamo and the other on loan with the San Antonio Scorpions from the North American Soccer League, and without having the opportunity to debut in MLS, Soto decided to come tryout with Chivas USA, where he would make his MLS debut on March 17 in the first SuperClásico of the season against the Galaxy. Soto has played seven games with Chivas USA, five of which were in the starting lineup, and he now hopes to call California home after jumping from place to place.

“I’d love to stay here for more time,” added Soto. “I’m very comfortable and I hope to be here for a long time. Now I just want to get more minutes with the team and consolidate myself in the League.”

At his 24 years of age, Soto puts to practice the values instilled in his home, not just enjoying his time playing soccer, but during his free time after practice, where he dedicates it to be among youth of poverty and violence-stricken communities, something that helps him remain humble.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit kids in Compton and meet a lot of young ones there,” Soto commented. “It’s good to get away, when you feel pressured or when things aren’t going so great. It’s good to share your time and know that this time is good to help others and that motivates me and helps me recharge.”

After being away from home for such a long time, the young Goat knows that a good meal is vital in order to be able to perform on the field, but sometimes one of the challenges of living alone convert the hassle of cooking a routinely experience. Soto shares his experience inside the kitchen.

“I Almost always make pasta or rice. I boil them and with some salsa, I prepare it. I make grilled fish and vegetables in the microwave. Don’t think it tastes that great, but I try,” Soto said about his culinary abilities. “I like to go to the store and look for new items to cook with. I’m a fan of Rice-A-Roni and I create stuff with it; I’ve added eggs, ham, chicken, beans, salsa, guacamole and I like to mix up my food.”

Now, Soto will look to continue working with the team and add minutes to his résumé. Chivas USA’s next match will be against the New England Revolution on Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m. (PT) at the StubHub Center and Soto will be looking to give his all to the team if called upon again.